Govt freezes posts for struggle kids

GOVERNMENT has decided to put aside all entry-level posts in the civil service for the ‘children of the liberation struggle’ – those born in exile during the liberation war.

In a circular doing the rounds in Government offices, the Office of the Prime Minister directs that ‘all vacant posts on entry level in all offices, ministries and agencies must not be filled until the process of recruiting the youth born in exile is completed’.Prime Minister Nahas Angula yesterday told The Namibian that Government has identified about 8 000 entry-level posts that could be filled by ‘struggle children’. Angula appealed to citizens not to see the move as discrimination against other jobless youths.He pointed out, however, that not all 8 000 posts are budgeted for, adding that the requirements of the posts must be met if someone is appointed.Angula said Government hopes that society will be in solidarity with the move and not see it as discriminatory towards anyone but an attempt to integrate the exile children into society. All People’s Party president Ignatius Shixwameni yesterday came out guns blazing in opposition of the move, accused Government of being held hostage by returnees. He said at Independence 42 00 people returned from exile and they have a ‘never-ending burden’ on Government ever since.He said it was discriminatory of Government to divide the people of Namibia into two camps – those who were in exile and those who were not – and treating the latter like second-class citizens.Shixwameni said unemployment affects everyone and people must be treated equally. Although the instruction has only been issued now, The Namibian understands that the decision to incorporate the exile children into the civil service was made as early as June and that most seniors in Government were informed that they might have to recruit these children. Angula said Government is still studying the situation and looking at how many posts are available countrywide.He added that Government is also trying to get these children to improve their education and skills so they can get promotions, or else they will remain at the entry level for life. tileni@namibian.com.na